Since it formed in 2004, the Plain-O Helpers volunteer group has lent a hand to about 1,700 residents, offering free household services and repairs. The group, comprised of senior citizens who contribute their time whenever they can, focuses on helping other seniors, disabled residents and single mothers who need home repairs. Fixing a leaky faucet, changing a light bulb or unlocking a sticky door, the repairs are done one at time and are either completed entirely in one visit or are split up with short visits whenever someone can volunteer their time. Initially inspired by a Richardson senior group that began in 2000, Plain-O Helpers spun off at a time when there was no other group like it in the Plano community, said Fred Clark, an organizer and leader of the organization. Volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, and Clark said the organization tries to utilize them as best as they can; but if there’s a project that’s too big for the group to handle, they call in professionals. While they don’t charge for their services, the group does accept donations. But volunteers have turned down donations when they think it’s not financially feasible for a resident.

UPDATE: Clark said he’s seen a greater number of volunteers wanting to help with the organization.

“The numbers keep increasing and we have more volunteers,” said Clark.

About 45 volunteers contribute hours, with about 30 volunteers showing up every Friday to the meetings at Custer Road United Methodist Church in Plano, where they decide which projects they’ll work on and how much time they can devote to each visit.

Volunteers are now helping about 30 clients a week, with about 120 visits per month.

“They’ve read articles about us and heard about us through friends and are looking to help out,” Clark said.

About 5,000 volunteer hours had been logged in 2013 through September, and Clark estimates that the organization will log more than 6,600 volunteer hours by the end of the year.